A Guide to Complementary

A Guide to Complementary and Alternative Medicine - Part One

Complementary and alternative medicine refers to health care approaches outside of mainstream Western or conventional medicine for the treatment of different health conditions or for overall well-being and has been practiced by many cultures around the world for hundreds or thousands of years. Its practice is oftentimes influenced by someone's personal, spiritual or cultural beliefs. 

"Complementary" uses a non-conventional approach in addition to standard medicine. “Alternative” uses a non-conventional approach in place of standard medical care. Some people use complementary and alternative medicine to help improve their symptoms when traditional medicine alone is not effective. Some people resort to alternative medicine alone when standard medical treatments have failed to address their health problems. For example, someone who experiences chronic pain may seek acupuncture and take prescription medications at the same time to help alleviate his symptoms or he may decide to utilize Chinese Medicine in place of Western Medicine for healing. A number of alternative therapies don't pose any side effects or dangers including deep breathing exercises, relaxation, music therapy, dance therapy, biofeedback, aromatherapy, meditation or guided imagery but other approaches may cause unwanted side effects. Most of these therapies focus on the connection between the "mind" and the "body" which is helpful in addressing physical and psychological, emotional or mental issues. As more research is being done to determine the safety and usefulness of complementary and alternative medicine, we suggest consulting your primary care physician when considering its use to have a better insight on potential complications, drug interactions and side effects. 

Since herbs and supplements that are sold in stores are not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they may not be safe and/or effective as they may not contain those listed ingredients or they could be contaminated during their production which may cause potentially serious adverse health effects. Since everyone responds to treatments or to natural remedies differently, it may not be safe to give certain herbs and supplements to young children or to take them if you are pregnant or nursing. The same is true if you have been diagnosed with a condition like heart disease or cancer.

Throughout the next several months, we will provide our readers a guide to some common Complementary and Alternative Medicine therapies. For now we will discuss a few of the common natural medicines or supplements with a brief description, their uses, safety and warnings or potential side effects or adverse side effects. 

Acai - is a palm tree that is primarily grown in Central and South America. Its berries which are deep purple in color are used to make medicine. Acai contains antioxidants which are thought to protect body cells from oxidative damage. Some studies show that acai has more antioxidant content than cranberry, raspberry, blackberry, strawberry, or blueberry. It is also rich in fiber, polyphenols and essential fatty acids.

Acai is commonly used to treat symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED), hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), osteoarthritis, obesity or for weight loss, for “detoxification,” and for improving general well-being. Its berries are eaten raw or as a juice or beverage. There is not enough information to know if acai is safe. It may be best to avoid use if you are pregnant or nursing. There are no known interactions with medicines, other herbs or supplements. Drinking raw acai juice has been linked to outbreaks of a disease called American trypanosomiasis or Chagas Disease.





Coconut Oil - coconut is the fruit of the coconut palm. The oil of the nut (fruit) is used to make medicine. Coconut oil is high in saturated fats called medium chain triglycerides which work differently than other types of saturated fat in the body. Because of its high saturated fat content, coconut oil does not go rancid quickly and therefore lasts for up to two years without spoiling. Virgin coconut oil is unprocessed meaning it has not been bleached, refined or deodorized. Some coconut oil products are “cold pressed” which means that a mechanical or natural method of pressing out the oil is used but without the use of any outside heat source. 

Coconut oil is used for diabetes, obesity, heart disease, high cholesterol, bowel disease like Crohn's disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), chronic fatigue, Alzheimer’s disease, thyroid problems, and boosting the immune system. Coconut oil is also found to be effective in treating skin conditions like psoriasis and as a natural moisturizer for both skin and hair.

Coconut oil ingested or applied in moderation is considered safe even for pregnant or nursing women. It is not known to interact with any medications.


Fish oil - can be obtained from eating baked or broiled fish or by taking supplements with the beneficial Omega-3 Fatty Acids called EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) which the human body is not able to produce. Fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, anchovy, halibut, herring and trout. 

Fish oil supplements are usually made from salmon, cod liver, mackerel, herring, tuna, halibut, whale blubber, or seal blubber. Fish oil supplements often contain vitamin E as a preservative and other essential vitamins and minerals. 

Fish oil is used for a wide range of conditions that include cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease, kidney disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, asthma, depression, ADHD, stroke, gynecological disorders and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis.

When taken in 3grams or less per day, Fish Oil supplements that are free from mercury are considered safe even for pregnant or nursing women. High doses (more than 3grams per day) might increase the risk of bleeding and other clotting problems and reduce the body's ability to fight infections. Fish oil supplements may cause side effects including bad breath, heartburn, belching, and loose stools. Freezing or taking them with meals can often decrease these side effects.

Fish oil may interact with medications that include antihypertensives (medications that lower blood pressure), anticoagulants or anti-clotting medications (medications that slow clotting), contraceptives (birth control pills), and weight loss drugs. Avoid taking herbs that slow clotting in conjunction with Fish oil such as clove, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, turmeric, red clover and willow to lower your chances of bleeding. Fish oil can also reduce Vitamin E levels in the body. Fish oil is not known to interact with food. 

Krill oil - is oil that is extracted from a tiny, shrimp-like animal called Euphausia superba. Baleen whales, mantas, and whale sharks eat primarily krill. Similar to Fish oil in terms of health benefits but with higher bioavailability, Krill oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and a nutrient called Phospholipid-derived fatty acids (PLFA).

Krill oil is used for treating health conditions that Fish oil is also used for such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, high cholesterol, depression, arthritis, PMS, stroke and other conditions. It is generally more expensive than fish oil but easier or more convenient to take as its supplement comes in smaller capsules. Safety, side effects, warnings and interactions are similar to those associated with Fish oil. 





Evening primrose oil - is the oil from the seed of the evening primrose plant. Evening primrose oil is rich in phenylalanine, a compound with analgesic and antidepressant properties. It also contains essential fatty acids called gamma-linoleic acid (GLA). It is used for the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular disease, asthma, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), osteoporosis, dyspraxia - a movement disorder in children, alcoholism, chronic fatigue, obesity or for weight loss, bowel disease, gynecological conditions such as PMS and hot flashes, Alzheimer’s disease, and psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia. It is also commonly used for skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, and acne.

Taking evening primrose oil may be unsafe during pregnancy. It may cause mild gastrointestinal side effects including nausea, upset stomach or diarrhea. Evening primrose oil may increase the chances of bleeding or bruising and seizure activity. 

Evening primrose oil may interact with anti-clotting or antiplatelet medications and seizure medications. It may also interact with some herbs including garlic, ginger, angelica, clove, ginkgo, red clover and turmeric.





Tea tree oil - or melaleuca oil is derived from the leaves of the tea tree Melaleuca Alternifolia which is native to Australia. It contains chemicals that kill bacteria and fungi. 

Tea tree oil should never be taken by mouth. It is commonly applied to the skin (topically) for the treatment of infections such as acne, fungal infections of the nail, scabies, athlete’s foot, lice, ringworm and scalp problems including dandruff. It is also used topically as a local antiseptic for minor cuts and abrasions, burns, insect bites and stings, boils, vaginal infections, and infections of the nose and ears. Some people add Tea Tree oil to bath water to relieve symptoms of respiratory or pulmonary conditions including cough, congestion, and asthma attacks. 

The use of topical tea tree oil is usually safe but a few people may have mild skin reactions including irritation, redness, dryness or itching. It has no known interactions with any medicines. 

Folate - is a water-soluble B vitamin naturally occurring in food while folic acid is synthetically produced and is added to food items including flour, breads, cold cereals, pasta, and baked goods as a federal law requirement. The human body needs folate to be able to develop and function effectively most especially during infancy and pregnancy. A lack of dietary folate can lead to health problems including anemia, nerve damage, behavioral disorders, fertility issues in both men and women, congenital malformations including neural tube defects in developing embryos, cognitive issues, macular degeneration, irritability, gastrointestinal symptoms and many others. Foods that are naturally high in folate include poultry and meats, eggs, dairy products, leafy vegetables, okra, asparagus, beans, yeast, mushrooms, fruits and juices such as orange juice, tomato juice and bananas, melons, and lemons.

Folic acid is sometimes used in the prevention of cancers of the cervix, breast, prostate, pancreas and colon, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease. Folate in the form of folinic acid has also been found to be effective in reducing harmful side effects or reversing the toxic effects of methotrexate.

When taken in the recommended dose of 400mcg per day, Folic acid does not usually cause any side effects and is therefore considered safe. High doses above 400mcg, on the other hand, might cause untoward or serious side effects that include sleep disorders, confusion, behavioral changes, seizures, excitability and gastrointestinal side effects. They may also increase someone's risk of heart attack in those with heart disease. Some studies have also indicated that taking high doses of Folic acid might increase someone's risk of prostate or lung cancer.

Folic acid may interact with antineoplastic or chemotherapeutic drugs, seizure medications and antiparasitic medications. Some studies suggest that taking green tea with folic acid might prevent folic acid from working effectively in the body.   

Vitamin C -  or ascorbic acid is an essential nutrient with an antioxidant activity that can potentially help reverse oxidative damage and play an important role in maintaining proper immune function. Citrus fruits and other fresh fruits and vegetables are the best sources of Vitamin C. Vitamin C can also be made in a laboratory in the forms of tablets, liquids, serums and solutions. It is recommended to get Vitamin C from natural sources that contain more active Vitamin  C rather than taking supplements.

Vitamin C was once used for preventing and treating scurvy which is now rare. It is now used for treating and preventing the common cold and other respiratory symptoms, boosting someone's immune system, treating acne and other skin conditions or infections, counteracting stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori, preventing progression of gout and its symptoms, improving physical endurance and slowing aging, and managing depression, fatigue and stress. It is sometimes applied topically to protect the skin against the sun's (UVR) damaging effects and other environmental pollutants that may hasten skin's wrinkling and aging. Vitamin C also helps in the proper absorption of iron and correcting a protein imbalance in some newborns.

Vitamin C is considered safe when taken by mouth in recommended doses of 90mg to a maximum of 2000mg or when applied to the skin. It is safe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding in amounts not exceeding 120mg per day. Taking large doses above 1000mg per day may cause mild side effects in some individuals that include headache and gastrointestinal side effects. Amounts higher than 2000 mg per day may cause kidney stones and severe diarrhea in some people. Among those people who have had a kidney stone, amounts greater than 1000 mg per day greatly increase the risk of kidney stone recurrence. Talk to your physician about taking Vitamin C if you are going for heart procedures including angioplasty, if you have been diagnosed with cancer, diabetes, Sickle Cell Disease and other blood disorders. 

Vitamin C possibly interacts with some chemotherapeutic drugs, estrogens, statins, niacin, Warfarin and certain HIV/AIDS medications. Also watch your intake of Vitamin C supplements when you are ingesting dietary items that are naturally high in ascorbic acid in which case supplementation may not be necessary.